*John Fawl presents the Special Merit Award to Kevin Walsh.
LONG-serving referee Kevin Walsh, Tuamgraney handballer Leah Minogue and Éire Óg’s Niall Malone were among the recipients at the Munster GAA Awards.
Earlier this month, the Munster GAA 2025 Awards took place at the Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney
Garryspillane native Walsh who has been a long-time resident of Shannon received the special merit award. This was in acknowledgement for his dedicated lifetime of service to gaelic games.
His commitment to the GAA began in Limerick before his family settled in Shannon.
He has refereed at national, secondary and colleges level, within Clare he has taken charge of games in all four codes. He is a former member of the Munster GAA Fixtures Appointments Committee and is currently Registrar with Clare Camogie.
As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Leah was recognised for her achievements in 2025 which included Singles All-Ireland titles in two codes. Winning 40×20 and 60×30 Munster and All-Ireland titles and also a 40×20 All-Ireland doubles title with clubmate Amber Nolan.
Leah also won many Irish Collegiate single and doubles titles during the year and reaching the final of the USHA Ladies singles in Missouri last February, bringing home a silver medal.
Éire Óg’s Niall Malone picked up his medal for taking charge of the 2024 Munster U20 hurling final.
Ex Limerick footballer, John Galvin who won a Clare SFC title with Cratloe in 2014 during his time living in South Clare, was given the hall of fame award for football at the awards. Paul Flynn of Waterford took the hurling equivalent.
The full list of winners were as follows:
Hall of Fame in Hurling – Paul Flynn (Waterford)
Hall of Fame in Football – John Galvin (Limerick)
Special Merit Award – Kevin Walsh (Clare)
Senior Hurler of the Year – Brian Hayes (Cork)
Senior Footballer of the Year – Joe O’Connor (Kerry)
Under 20 Hurler of the Year – Sam O’Farrell (Tipperary)
Under 20 Footballer of the Year – Tomas Kennedy (Kerry)
Minor Hurling Player of the Year – Cormac Spain (Waterford)
Minor Football Player of the Year – Gearoid White (Kerry)
Camogie Player of the Year – Grace O’Brien (Tipperary)
Community and Games for All Award – Maurice Noonan (Limerick)
Handballer of the Year – Leah Minogue (Clare)
Ladies Footballer of the Year – Emma Murray (Waterford)
Club of the Year – Daingean Uí Chúis (Kerry)
Manager of the Year – Jack O’Connor (Kerry)
